Railway yard gate state detection device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of railway equipment, and particularly relates to a railway yard gate state detection device which comprises a control box and an acquisition part which are arranged in a split mode. An MCU master control module, a double-channel redundancy communication module, a power supply module and an acquisition circuit are arranged in the control box. The collecting part comprises a travel switch installed near a door frame and used for detecting the opening and closing state of a station yard gate. The travel switch is connected with the MCU main control module through an acquisition circuit and transmits a state signal of the travel switch to the MCU main control module; the two-way redundant communication module is connected with the MCU master control module and is used for uploading gate state information to a server; and the power supply module supplies power to the MCU main control module, the double-channel redundancy communication module and the acquisition circuit. According to the utility model, automatic real-time detection and reliable transmission of the state of the railway yard gate are realized, a traditional manual confirmation mode is replaced, and the safety and efficiency of shunting operation are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of railway equipment technology, specifically relating to a railway station gate status detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, during railway locomotive shunting operations, the opening and closing of station gates is done manually. The detection of the gate's open / closed status relies primarily on manual confirmation between the locomotive and the ground crew. This method of protection heavily depends on manpower and has the following drawbacks:

[0003] When locomotives are operating in and out of the station, the driver only confirms the opening and closing status of the gate with ground personnel via intercom. The ground personnel keep the gate open by locking it with a chain. The confirmation method is inefficient and there is a safety hazard that the gate may fail to open or close due to damage to the chain or the gate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve the problems of low efficiency and safety hazards in the detection of railway station gate status due to reliance on manual confirmation. It proposes a railway station gate status detection device that realizes automated real-time detection and reliable transmission of railway station gate status, replacing the traditional manual confirmation method and significantly improving the safety and efficiency of shunting operations.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted is:

[0006] This utility model provides a railway station gate status detection device, including a control box and a data acquisition part that are set separately;

[0007] The control box contains a built-in MCU main control module, a dual-redundant communication module, a power supply module, and a data acquisition circuit.

[0008] The data acquisition component includes limit switches installed near the door frame to detect the opening and closing status of the station gate;

[0009] The limit switch is connected to the MCU main control module through the acquisition circuit, which transmits the limit switch status signal to the MCU main control module; the dual-redundant communication module is connected to the MCU main control module and is used to upload the gate status information to the server; the power supply module supplies power to the MCU main control module, the dual-redundant communication module and the acquisition circuit.

[0010] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the acquisition circuit further includes an optocoupler isolation unit and a DIP switch. The optocoupler isolation unit is used to isolate the electrical connection between the limit switch and the MCU main control module, and the DIP switch is used to switch the limit switch access mode of common positive or common negative.

[0011] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the acquisition circuit further supports the acquisition of up to 8 channels of limit switch status, and each channel is equipped with an independent optocoupler isolation unit.

[0012] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the MCU main control module adopts the STM32L471VCT6 chip and is equipped with a hardware watchdog circuit, multiple GPIO interfaces and dual serial communication interfaces. The multiple GPIO interfaces are used to connect to the acquisition circuit, and the dual serial communication interfaces are respectively connected to two communication modules.

[0013] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the dual-redundant communication module includes two independent 4G communication modules, which use EC800 chips.

[0014] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the power module further includes a ternary lithium battery and a four-channel DC-DC conversion circuit. The ternary lithium battery supports photovoltaic charging and active DC 24V input. The four-channel DC-DC conversion circuit outputs two voltages of 3.8V, 3.3V and 12V respectively.

[0015] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, it further includes a structural component installed on the ground near the gate frame after the gate is opened, for fixing the limit switch; the structural component is provided with a pin lock groove, and when the gate opening angle exceeds 30°, the limit switch status is triggered to switch.

[0016] According to the railway station gate status detection device of this utility model, the limit switch is a mechanical or magnetic proximity switch, and its trigger signal is converted into a high or low level signal by the acquisition circuit and input to the MCU main control module.

[0017] The beneficial effects achieved by adopting the above technical solution are:

[0018] This utility model discloses a railway station gate status detection device that achieves automated real-time detection and reliable transmission of the opening and closing status of railway station gates. It employs a dual-redundant communication link and a hardware watchdog circuit design to ensure the reliability of data upload. It is compatible with both photovoltaic and active dual-mode power supply, meeting the stable operation requirements of complex railway environments.

[0019] This invention can accurately collect the gate's opening and closing status in real time, eliminating the need for manual confirmation between the locomotive and the ground when the locomotive enters or exits the gate during shunting operations. This improves operational efficiency and reduces the safety risk of the gate failing to open or close due to damage to the chains and the gate itself. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly described below. The drawings are merely illustrative of some embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of all embodiments of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a railway station gate status detection device when the gate is in the open state according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the limit switch according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the power module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the control section of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the data acquisition circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the 4G communication module of this utility model embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a railway station gate status detection device when the gate is closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The meanings of the serial numbers in the diagram are as follows:

[0029] 1. Gate, 2. Door frame, 3. Structural components, 4. Safety pin, 5. Limit switch, 6. Control box, 7. Photovoltaic system. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of specific embodiments of the present invention, will provide a clear and complete illustration of exemplary solutions. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 7As shown, this embodiment discloses a railway station gate status detection device, which includes a control box 6 and a data acquisition section arranged separately. The control box houses an MCU main control module, a dual-redundant communication module, a power supply module, and a data acquisition circuit, all integrated on a single PCB board. The data acquisition section includes a limit switch installed near the gate frame for detecting the opening and closing status of the station gate. The limit switch is connected to the MCU main control module via the data acquisition circuit, transmitting the limit switch status signal to the MCU main control module. The dual-redundant communication module is connected to the MCU main control module and is used to upload gate status information to a server. The power supply module provides power to the MCU main control module, the dual-redundant communication module, and the data acquisition circuit.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the acquisition circuit acquires the switching status of external limit switches. The acquisition circuit includes an optocoupler isolation unit, a TVS protection diode, and a DIP switch. The optocoupler isolation unit isolates the electrical connection between the limit switch and the MCU main control module, preventing external interference or high-voltage signals from damaging the main control chip. The DIP switch switches between common positive and common negative limit switch access modes to adapt to different models of limit switches. If the limit switch is a common positive (COM+) design: when the switch is closed, current flows through the LED side of the optocoupler, and the LED lights up; when the switch is open, there is no current to the LED, and it does not light up. If the limit switch is a common negative (COM-) design, the logic is the opposite. The infrared light emitted by the LED passes through the isolation channel and illuminates the phototransistor on the output side. The phototransistor conducts after receiving light, outputting a low level; when there is no light, it is cut off, outputting a high level. The final output is a digital signal, directly input to the MCU's GPIO pin. The acquisition circuit supports up to 8 channels of limit switch status acquisition, each configured with an independent optocoupler isolation unit and TVS protection diode. The 8 acquisition channels can be expanded to multiple sets of door detection (such as double door detection). The TVS protection diode is connected in parallel between the limit switch signal line and ground (near the front stage of the optocoupler isolation unit) to suppress transient voltages.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the MCU main control module uses the low-power STM32L471VCT6 chip, equipped with a hardware watchdog circuit, multiple GPIO interfaces, and dual serial communication interfaces. The hardware watchdog circuit triggers a reset in the event of an MCU crash or device offline. The multiple GPIO interfaces are used to connect to the acquisition circuit. The dual serial communication interfaces connect to two 4G communication modules respectively. The MCU can also be expanded with an RS485 interface, an ADC sampling interface, a programmable interface, and a status indicator interface.

[0034] like Figure 6As shown, the dual-redundant communication module includes two independent 4G communication modules. The power supply and signal links of the two 4G communication modules are independent to prevent mutual interference. Its main function is to interact with the MCU, sending real-time acquired switch status data, and communicating with the server to send and receive responses. If either 4G communication module does not receive a response from the server for more than 10 seconds, an abnormal channel disconnection alarm is triggered, and the MCU restarts the module. If neither channel uploads data within 10 seconds, a timeout alarm is triggered, and the gate status displays "four-open guide safety." If the device has no data for one minute, an offline alarm is triggered, and the gate status displays "four-open guide safety."

[0035] The dual channels serve as backups for each other, ensuring that communication can be maintained through the other channel even in the event of a failure in either one, in accordance with the railway's "fail-safe" principle. Furthermore, shunting operations require millisecond-level response times; parallel transmission through the dual channels reduces latency and ensures timely reporting of status changes.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the power module includes a ternary lithium battery and a four-channel DC-DC converter circuit. The ternary lithium battery supports photovoltaic charging and active DC 24V input. The ternary lithium battery is designed with a photovoltaic charging interface, an active DC 24V interface, and a battery power supply interface. The battery power supply interface outputs 12V DC power, which is then converted by the four-channel DC-DC converter circuit to dual 3.8V to power the dual-redundant communication module, to 3.3V to power the MCU, and to 12V to power the acquisition circuit.

[0037] In this embodiment, the MCU main control module, dual-redundant communication module, power supply module and acquisition circuit are encapsulated in a 24-cell box with IP66 protection rating, and the built-in ternary lithium battery has a battery life of no less than 15 days when fully charged.

[0038] Structural components, in conjunction with limit switches, are installed on the ground near the door frame 2 when the door 1 is in the open position, such as... Figure 2 As shown, when the door is opened, the door frame is locked in the locking groove of structural component 3 by a safety pin. With the safety pin 4 in the correct position, the limit switch 5, fixed below the structural component, will be triggered by the door frame swinging more than 30°. This angle will cause the limit switch to switch its state, and the door frame will not be affected by vibration or shaking after the pin is engaged. The limit switch can be a mechanical or magnetic proximity switch.

[0039] The working principle is as follows:

[0040] When the limit switch detects a change in the gate's status (such as the gate frame swinging more than 30°), it generates a mechanical on / off signal. This signal is converted into a high / low level digital signal by an optocoupler isolation unit and then input to the MCU. The MCU processes the signal in real time and simultaneously sends the gate status data to two 4G modules, which then upload it to the server in parallel.

[0041] The preferred embodiments for implementing this utility model have been described in detail above. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope, application, or construction of this utility model in any way. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the foregoing embodiments under the teachings of this utility model, and all such modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A railway yard gate status detection device, characterized by, The control box and the collection part are separately arranged; The control box is internally provided with an MCU main control module, a dual-channel redundant communication module, a power module and a collection circuit; The collection part is provided with a travel switch installed near a door frame and used for detecting the opening and closing state of a station door; The travel switch is connected with the MCU main control module through the collection circuit and transmits a travel switch state signal to the MCU main control module; the dual-channel redundant communication module is connected with the MCU main control module and used for uploading the door state information to a server; and the power module supplies power for the MCU main control module, the dual-channel redundant communication module and the collection circuit.

2. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The collection circuit comprises an optical coupling isolation unit and a dial switch, the optical coupling isolation unit is used for isolating the electrical connection between the travel switch and the MCU main control module, and the dial switch is used for switching the common positive or common negative travel switch access mode.

3. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 2, wherein The collection circuit supports the state collection of a maximum of 8 travel switches, and each channel is provided with an independent optical coupling isolation unit.

4. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The MCU main control module adopts an STM32L471VCT6 chip, is provided with a hardware watchdog circuit, a multi-channel GPIO interface and a double serial communication interface, the multi-channel GPIO interface is used for connecting the collection circuit, and the double serial communication interface is connected with two communication modules respectively.

5. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The dual-channel redundant communication module comprises two independent 4G communication modules, and the 4G communication module adopts an EC800 chip.

6. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein The power module comprises a ternary lithium battery and a four-channel DCDC conversion circuit, the ternary lithium battery supports photovoltaic charging and active DC24V input; and the four-channel DCDC conversion circuit outputs two channels of 3.8V, 3.3V and 12V voltage respectively.

7. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein Further comprising a structural member installed on the ground near the door frame after the door is opened and used for fixing the travel switch; the structural member is provided with a pin lock groove, and when the opening angle of the door exceeds 30°, the travel switch state is triggered to switch.

8. The railroad yard gate status detection apparatus according to claim 1 or 7, characterized by The travel switch is a mechanical or magnetic proximity switch, and the trigger signal of the travel switch is converted into a high-low level signal by the collection circuit and input into the MCU main control module.

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